Album Stories

‘Olé Coltrane’: The Story Behind John Coltrane’s Jazz Masterpiece

Saxophone magus John Coltrane closed his Atlantic account with ‘Olé Coltrane’, a key album that unlocked his later musical explorations.

‘Let’s Dance’: How David Bowie Came Out Fighting With A Pure Pop Album

Looking to the mainstream with ‘Let’s Dance’, David Bowie scored his biggest-selling album while unleashing some of his most-loved songs.

‘Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son’: How Iron Maiden Foresaw Their Masterpiece

Based around a haunting concept, Iron Maiden’s thrilling ‘Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son’ album brought the group a whole new audience.

‘The Strange Case Of…’: How Halestorm Saved Rock Music

Boosted by the range and power of their frontwoman, Halestorm’s ‘The Strange Case Of…’ album revived a flatlining classic rock genre.

How Third Eye Blind’s Debut Album Redefined Alternative Rock

‘Meteora’: The Story Behind Linkin Park’s Impactful Second Album

Containing the earth-scorching power to wipe out humanity, Linkin Park’s second album, ‘Meteora’, tore up the planet with a nu-metal classic.

‘Invasion Of Privacy’: How Cardi B’s Debut Album Changed The Game

Unashamedly honest and startlingly inventive, Cardi B’s debut album, ‘Invasion Of Privacy’, smashed through glass ceilings in pop and hip-hop.

How Paramore’s Self-Titled Album Inspired A Dramatic Reinvention

Recorded after the departure of two founding members, Paramore’s self-titled album saw the Tennessee trio explore a bold new direction.

‘Super’: A Dance Classic That’s Pet Shop Boys… But More So!

With its powerful dance direction, the ‘Super’ album signalled there was no slowing down for Pet Shop Boys in the 2010s.

‘Louder Than Bombs’: Why The Smiths’ Compilation Makes Such A Bang

Initially compiled as a US release, ‘Louder Than Bombs’ is an excellent collection that remains a must for Smiths heads around the world.